Rip current risk rises because of Hurricane Leslie

Posted: September 6, 2012 - 12:00am

From staff

The risk of rip currents at St. Johns County’s beaches was expected to be moderate today, said National Weather Service meteorologist Sara Chase.

The rip current threat has increased along Florida’s Atlantic Coast from Nassau through Martin counties because of swells from Hurricane Leslie, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Leslie was upgraded from a tropical storm to a hurricane on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Other parts of the state are also experiencing a high risk of rip currents as well as rough surf and large waves from a low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Ocean swells from distant [Hurricane] Leslie as well as an area of low pressure in the northern Gulf of Mexico bring a moderate to high rip current risk to some of Florida beaches, which will likely persist through the upcoming weekend,” said Michelle Palmer, deputy state meteorologist for the state division of emergency management. “Beachgoers should remember to review the rip current outlook for their area, check the warning flag signs before entering the water and swim within sight of a lifeguard.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, Hurricane Leslie was located well off the coast of Florida, around 46 miles south, southeast of Bermuda, and was moving north at 2 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Hurricane Leslie had sustained winds of 75 mph and was not expected to make landfall in the U.S.

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Safety tips

■ Check the latest forecast before you leave for the beach.

■ Listen to lifeguards.

■ Know how to read the flags. Typically, a double red flag means the beach is closed to the public; a single red flag means there is a high hazard, such as strong surf or rip currents; a yellow flag means there is a medium hazard; a green flag means conditions are calm; and a purple flag flown with either a red or yellow flag means dangerous marine life could be present.

■ Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties, where the danger of rip currents tends to be higher.

■ Closely monitor children and older adults, even when they are in shallow water.

■ If you are caught in a rip current, don’t panic but stay calm to save energy. Don’t swim against the current, but swim parallel to the shore until you are released from the current. If you cannot get out of the current, try to float and tread water.Yell for help and wave your arms to draw attention to yourself. If you notice someone in the water who is in trouble, get help from a lifeguard or call 911 if a lifeguard is not available. Throw something that floats to the person who is in trouble or yell instructions on how to escape.